Marking apparatus



Dec. 3, 1963 F. c. WORTH MARKING APPARATUS s Shets-Sheet 1 Filed Feb. 20, 1962 INVENTOR Fkmcl s C.

WORTH B z W ATTORNEY Dec. 3, 1963 F. c. WORTH MARKING APPARATUS 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Feb. 20, 1962 INVENTOR Eran/als- C NORTH BY 4 WW ATTORNEY Dec. 3, 1963 F. c. WORTH 3,1 2,6

MARKING APPARATUS Filed Feb. 20, 1962 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 gay/7M7 ATTORN EY I G AlPARATUd Francis C. Worth, Ridgewood, NIL, assigns: to Adolph Eottscho, inc, Hillside, N..l., a corporation oft New York Filed Feb. 29, 1962, Ser. No. 174,479 12 Claims. {*Cl. 19l35} This invention relates generally to a marking apparatus, and more particularly is directed to improvements in marking apparatus of the type intended to apply inked markings to vertically disposed surfaces of successive boxes, cartons or the like conve ed along a horizontal path past the marking apparatus.

In a marking apparatus of the described type, the inked markings are applied to vertical surfaces of the successive, horizontally conveyed boxes, cartons or the like by a die wheel rotating about a vertical axis and having marking means mounted on the periphery thereof for rolling contact with the surfaces to be marked. In such an apparatus, difficulty has been experienced in obtaining the uniform application of ink to the type, logotype or other marking means carried by the die wheel, particularly when such marking means extends a substantial vertical or axial distance along the die wheel or when pigmented or other quick-drying inks are employed so that the same cannot be conveniently applied through the absorbent felt pad of an ink fountain roller. Although an inking system has been provided for uniformly inking the marking means in a marking apparatus of the described character, for example, as in United States Letters Patent No. 2,655,103, issued October 13, 1953, to Malcolm l-lirschey, such inking system, particularly as embodied in the structural arrangement disclosed in the foregoing patent, can only be cleaned with considerable difficulty, and does not permit rapid change in the colors of the ink employed for the marking operation.

Further, the marking apparatus disclosed in the above identified patent must be driven in accurately timed relation to the movement or" the conveyed boxes, cartons or the like, and the latter must be uniformly spaced apart along the conveyor path. It is also necessary, in such existing marking apparatus, to employ a die wheel having a circumference which corresponds to the distance along each surface to be marked and to the spacing between the successive boxes, cartons or the like on the conveyor. In addition to the above operational inflexibility of the above described existing marking apparatus, the latter is relatively costly to produce and maintain.

Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide a marking apparatus or" the described character, that is, an apparatus adapted to apply inked markings to vertical surfaces of successive boxes, cartons or the like conveyed horizontally past the marking apparatus, and which avoids the above disadvantages of the exisung marking apparatus intended for that purpose.

A more specific object is to provide a marl apparatus of the described character with an improved inking system that readily permits the thorough cleaning thereof and also facilitates changing or" the color of the ink employed for the marking operation.

I The accordance with an aspect of this invention, a marking apparatus of the described character is provided with an inking system in the form of a self-contained, readily removable unit adapted to be mounted adjacent a die wheel rotatable about a vertical axis and having a base constituting an ink reservoir, an inking roller and a metering roller mounted on the base for rotation about vertical axes in rolling contact with each other, an ink pump also mounted on the base and operative to draw ink from the ink reservoir and to spray such ink against the inking roller adjacent the upper end of the latter, and a drive assembly for simultaneously operating the ink pump and rotating the inking and metering rollers so that the ink sprayed against the inking roller is uniformly transferred to the surface of the metering roller which, in turn, uniformly applies the ink to the marking means on the die wheel during rotation of the latter.

Since the inking system is in the form of a self-contained, readily removable unit, such unit can be detached from the remainder of the marking apparatus to permit thorough cleaning thereof, or to facilitate a rapid change in the color of the ink employed by replacing the removed unit with another identical unit containing the desired differently colored ink.

A further specific object of the invention is to provide a marking apparatus of the described character in which the drive of the die wheel and the circumference of the latter may be independent of the advancement and spacing of the conveyed boxes or cartons.

in accordance With another aspect of the invention, the die wheel is yieldably urged to rotate with a peripheral speed substantially equal to the linear speed at which the boxes, cartons or the like are conveyed past the mark ng apparatus, and rotation of the die wheel is arrested by a latch device which holds the die wheel at a predetermined rotational position Where the marking leans thereon is circumferentially spaced from both the metering roller of the inking system and the conveyed boxes, cartons or the like, so that the momentary release of the latch device by a solenoid energized through a circuit under the control of the conveyed boxes or cartons permits a single revolution of the die wheel for applying a marking to the surface of the box or carton then being conveyed past the marlc'ng apparatus and repetitious marking of the box or carton is avoided even though the dimension of the latter in the direction of its movement is greater than the circumference of the die wheel.

Another object of the invention is to provide a drive for the die wheel of a marking apparatus having the above operative characteristics, which drive is efiective to continuously operate the inking system formed as a readily removable unit.

Still another object is to provide a marking apparatus of the described character which is relatively inexpensive to produce and maintain.

The above and other objects, features and advantages of the invention, will be apparent in the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment thereof which is to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a marking apparatus embodying this invention and being shown with its cover removed;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the apparatus of FIG. 1, shown partly broken away and in section;

FIG. 3 is an end elevational view of the apparatus of FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged top plan view, partly broken away and in section, of an inking unit included in the apparatus of FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 5 is an elcvational view of the inking unit of FIG. 4, as viewed in the direction of the arrows 55 on the latter;

FIG. 6 is a detail sectional view taken along the line 6-6 on FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a detail sectional view taken along the line 77 on PEG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a detail sectional view taken along the line S-8 on PEG. 7; and

FIG. 9 is a detail view illustrating a switch arrangement by which operation of the marking apparatus is controlled.

gs in detail, and FIGS. 1 and 2 thereof, it will be seen that a marking apparatus embodying the present invention, and there generally identified by the reference numeral Eli includes an elongated, generally flat base or support member 12 having an upstanding, vertically bored boss 1% at one end (F188. 2 and 3) which received and is turnable on a vertical post 16. The post 16 may be adjustably mounted in a bracket 13 (FIG. 2) which is suitably secured to the frame of the conveyor carrying the successive boxes, cartons or the like which are to be marked. The base or support mem er i2 is arranged to extend pivotally from post 16 alongside the path of the conveyed boxes or carton in the direction of movement of the latter, and a spring assembly indicated generally at 2!? (FIGS. 2 and 3) is provided between base 12 and post 16 to urge t re base to pivot in the direction moving the end of base 212 remote from boss 14 laterally toward the path of the conveyed boxes or cartons. The spring assembly 2%; preferably also embodies an adjustable stop arrangement (not shown) for limiting the spring urged pivotal movement of base 12.

Adjacent its end remote from boss 14, base 12 carries an upstanding, vertical axle 22 on which a removable die wheel assembly 24 is rotatably mounted. As shown particularly in F1 3. 7, the die wheel assembly 24 includes a hollow cylindrical core as having a bottom wall 2-8 formed with a central, vertically bored boss 34), and a circular cover 32. secured in the upper portion of cylindrical core 26 and having a central opening, with the central opening of cover 32 and boss 33 receiving bearings and 36 by w ich the core 25 is rotatably mounted on aide 22. The bottom core 26 is formed with an outwardly directed radial flange 33, and the upper end of body or core 26 is provided with internal threads as above the core cover 32 to receive a correspondingly threaded portion 42 of a die wheel cover 44.

The die wheel cover has an annular recess in which is mounted a ring 45 of frictional material and a bearer initially to rim 46, which comprise a slippable clutch assembly, the

function of which will hereinafter be described. The die wheel cover further acts to hold a retaining or spacer ring 48 on the upper end of core 26. The marking means, for example, in the form of rubber type or logotype Sil mounted adhesively on a metal backing plate 52, is secured on the outer surface of body or core 26 between flange 38 and spacer ring 48 so that such marking means can be conveniently removed or exchanged merely by loosening die wheel cover 44 with respect to core 26. The die wheel assembly 24 is conveniently retained on axle 22 by means of a knurled nut 54 screwed on a threaded extension 55 at the upper end of axle 22 and engageable axially against the flanged upper end or the bearing 34 carried by core cover 32. Thus, the entire die wheel assembly 2d can be conveniently removed as a unit for replacement by a similar die wheel assembly having different type elements or marking means thereon when the marking to be applied is changed, or when a dilferent colored ink is to be employed.

Mounted on the lower end portion of axle 22 below die wheel assembly 24 is a bearing 58 which carries a rotatable drive sprocket 6i and a bearer and clutch plate assembly generally identified by the reference numeral 62, and which is hereinafter described in detail. The drive for the sprocket 69 includes an endless chain 64- (FIG. 1) running around sprocket 6d and also around a sprocket es (FIGURE 3) which is secured on the lower end portion of a shaft 68 extending vertically alongside boss 14 and having its lower and upper ends respectively journalled in bearings carried by the base 12 and by a bearing support bracket ill which projects radially from, and is secured to post 16 above boss 1 Shaft 68 is rotatably driven by meshing engagement of a spur gear 72 secured thereon with a spur gear 74- rotatable on post 16 above bearing support bracket '76. Spur gear 7d is interacer gral, or otherwise rotatably coupled with a bevel gear which meshes with a bevel gear 73 (FIGS. 1 and 3) forming part or" a rotatable drive shaft assembly 89. The drive shaft assembly 89 extends horizontally and laterally with respect to the direction of movement of the con eyed boxes or cartons, and includes a sprocket 82 driven through a chain 34 from a suitable electric drive motor (not shown) or from a driven shaft of the associated box or carton conveyor. The drive shaft assembly has a shaft with its opposite ends supported in a fixed bracket and in a socket at the upper end of post 16, and a sleeve 99 rotatable on shaft as and having both the bevel gear 78 and the sprocket 32 secured thereon, as by set screws, so as to form a driving connection therebetween.

Tbe chain 64-, which connects sprocket 66 with drive sprocket or: for the die wheel, is engaged by a tensioning idler sprocket (FIG. 1) which is freely rotatable on an arm 9d adjustably pivoted, as at 96, on the base 12. The chain 64 further runs around a sprocket 98 (FIG. 5) whic is freely rotatable on a stub axle 1nd projecting upwardly from base 12. The sprocket 98 has a hub 1&2 which is formed, as hereinafter described in detail, to provide a releasable drive coupling for an irdting unit generally identified by the reference numeral lid.

The inking unit (H63. 1, 2, 4 and 5) includes a hollow, upwardly opening base "166 defining an ink reservoir All (FIG. 6) and having a removable cover plate extending over a portion or" the reservoir. Posts 112 project upwardly from the hollow base 3% and, at their upper ends, support a top plate 114. A vertical drive shaft 116 has its upper end journalled in a bearing carried by top plate lid, while the lower end of shaft 116 extends downwardly through, and is journalled in a corner projection ill; of body 1%. T- e lower end of shaft 116 is adapted to extend downwardly into an upwardly opening socket 12d (MG. 5 formed in the hub 1&2 of sprocket 9S, and carries a diametrically extending pin 122, the ends of which are ngageable in upwardly opening notches formed in the hub Thus, when the lower end of shaft 116 is engaged in socket 12%, the engagement of pin 122 in the above mentioned notches prov-ides a rotatable coupling between sprocket $3 driven by chain 5-.- and the drive shaft lie of inking unit we.

The base 186 of inking unit 1% further has a lug 124 (El-GS. 1 and 4) extending from the end thereof remote from projection 13% and having an arcuate slot 126 concentric with the axis of shaft 116 and adapted to receive a locking screw 323 which extends into a tapped hole in the base or support member 12 of the marking apparatus. Thus, the inking unit 1% is adjustably secured on base 12 by engagement of the lower end of drive shaft 116 in the socket 126 of sprocket 98 and by the engagemerit of screw 128 in the slot 126 of lug 124, and the inking unit can be angularly adjusted about the axis of drive shaft 11-5 upon loosening of the screw 123.

In accordance with the present invention, the inking unit ltld further includes an supplying or inking roller 1.39 and a metering or ink transferring roller 132 mounted for rotation about substantially vertical axes in suitable upper and lower bearings (not shown) carried by the top plate 114 and the base 1 5 respectively (FIGS. 2, 4 and 5). The ink transferring or metering roller 132 is disposed so that its surface is adapted for rolling contact with the marking means 5% on die wheel 245 during rotation of the latter, while the inking roller 136' is disposed for rolling contact with metering roller 132 at a location on the latter which is substantially diametrically opposed with respect to the location of the contact of roller 133 with the marking means.

in order to elfect rotation of rollers 13b and 1132, the inking unit res includes an endless chain 13 (FIGS. 4 and 5 running around a sprocket 13s fixed on the upper end port-ion of drive shaft lie and around a sproc :et 13S fixed on the shaft of metering roller 132 above the latter.

The rotation of metering roller 132 is transmitted to inking roller by means of a spur gear 14% fixed on the shaft of roller 132 above sprocket 132'; and meshing with a spur gear 142 fixed on the shaft of roller 13% above the latter. A tensioning idler sprocket 14 i is rotatable on a stub shaft 146 depending from top plate 114 and engages the chain 134 between sprockets 135 and 13% in order to maintain the necessary tension in that drive chain.

In order to supply ink to the surface of inking roller 13%, e inking unit 1'54 further includes a pump assembly 148 having a housing 151} secured on top of cover plate 17.!) by a screw 152. The housing 15a is formed with a longitudinal blind bore 156 (FIG. 6) into which a pump plunger 158 slidably extends. '1'" me outer end of bore is sealed around plunger 158 by a gland nut and packing 169, and a helical spring 162 is preferably disposed between the inner ends of bore 156 and plunger 35:? to urge the latter to project axiflly from the bore. The pump a sembly 143 further includes an inlet tube 164 depending from housing 15% through an opening in cover plate lit) into the ink reservoir 1%. The inlet tube 16-4 contains a ball check valve 165 permitting fiow therethrough only in the upward direction from ink reservoir 16 3 into the inner end of bore 156. An outlet tube 15%; projects upwardly from housing 159 and contains a ball check valve 17% which permits flow therethrough only in the upward direction from the inner end of bore 156 through a flexible plastic or rubber tube 172 extending, at its lower end, onto outlet tube 163.

The hole in cover plate lit) through which inlet tube 164 extends is disposed so that screw 152 and tube 164 locate housing 15%} with the longitudinal axis of bore 155, and plunger 158 passing substantially through the axis of drive shaft 116, as is apparent in FIG. 4. A radial cam 174 (FIGS. 4 and 5) is secured on the lower end portion of shaft 115 for engagement, at its periphery, with the outer end of plunger 158. it will be apparent that the outer end of plun er 158 is maintained in engagement with the periphery of radial cam @74- by spring 162, and that rotation of the cam with shaft 116 will efiect reciprocation of plunger 15% for pumping ink from reservoir 11% through flexible tube 172.

The supply of ink in reservoir 1&3 may be replenished through an opening 176 (FIG. 4) in cover plate 110, for example, from an inverted bottle or other receptacle 178 (FIG. 1) having its neck secured in opening 176 by a thumb screw 13%} (FIG. 4).

The flexible tube 172 carrying ink from pump assembly 148 is connected, at its upper end, to a hose fitting 132 opening through a substantially semi-cylindrical shield 134- (FIGS. 2 and 4) extending partly around inking roller 13%. Shield 1554 has a lip or rim 1% at its upper end by which the shield 134 is suspended from top plate 114, as by screws 18%. The hose fitting 132 is vertically disposed along shield 134 so as to open against the surface of roller 138 at a location adjacent the upper end portion of the latter.

A splash plate (FIGS. 1 and 2) is suitably secured on inking unit add at the side of the latter facing toward the path of the conveyed boxes or cartons to prevent splashing of ink onto the latter from the rotated rollers 130 and 132.

It will be apparent that, when the above described inking unit m4 is installed in its illustrated operative position on base 12 and its shaft 116 is rotated through drive chain 64 and sprocket 98, the rollers 139 and 132 are rotated and the pump assembly 148 is simultaneously operated to pump ink from reservoir 168 for sprayed discharge against the surface of rotated inking roller 130. Due to the influence of gravity, the ink sprayed against the upper portion of roller 130 tends to flow downwardly along the latter and, by reason of the rolling contact of rollers 13% and 132, ink is applied uniformly from roller 13%) to the surface of the metering or ink transferring roller 132. Any excess of ink dripping from the lower ends of rollers 13% and 1.32 is returned to reservoir 108 so that a continuous circulation of ink is maintained to permit the use of pigmented or other quick drying inks.

Since the inldng unit MP4 of the marking apparatus 10 embodying this invention is quickly removable from the base 12 merely by loosening of the screw 128 and disengagement of the latter from slot 126, it is apparent that the inking unit may be readily removed for thorough cleaning thereof, or when it is desired to replace the inking unit with an identical unit containing ink of a difierent color.

It will also be apparent that the previously described angular adjustment of inking unit 104 about the axis of its drive shaft 116 is effective to vary the position of the metering or transferring roller 132 with respect to the axis of die wheel assembly 24, either for adjusting the contact pressure of roller 132 with the marking means 51) or for accommodating die wheels of different diameters, such adjustment being facilitated by a turnable eccentric 139 (FIG, 1) engaging lug 124.

In accordance with the present invention, inking unit 164 may be continuously operated, while the die wheel assembly 24 is intermittently rotated through a' single revolution only upon movement of a conveyed box or carton past the die wheel assembly. More specifically, as shown on FIG. 8 of the drawings, the foregoing purpose is served by providing the flange 33 at the bottom of die wheel core 26 with an inwardly tapering portion, as at 190, to define a radial shoulder 192 facing in the direction of the intended rotation of the die wheel assembly indicated by the arrow 194. A latch 196 is pivotally mounted, at one end, on a screw 198 threaded into a post 2% projecting from the base or support member 12 of the marking apparatus adjacent die wheel assembly 24, and latch 196 is formed, intermediate its ends, with a nose 202 adapted for engagement with shoulder 1 92 for holding the die wheel core 26 against rotation. A torsion spring 264 may be provided between post 2% and latch 196 for urging the latter to rock or pivot in the direction moving nose 232 against the periphery of flange 38. The free end of latch 196 is pivotally connected, as at 286, to the armature 268 of a solenoid 216 which is suitably secured, as by screws 212, on the base 12 of marking apparatus it). The solenoid 23d is arranged to retract its armature 2%, and thereby release the nose 2l2 of the latch from the shoulder 192, upon energization of the solenoid. Thus, the die wheel assembly is freed for rotation about axle 22 whenever solenoid 219 is energized.

As represented diagrammatically on FIG. 1, the electrical circuit for energizing solenoid 2M) includes a source 214 of electric current and conductors 216 connecting such source to the coil of solenoid 22M and having a normally open switch 218 interposed therein so that solenoid 210 is energized only upon closing of switch 218. In the marking apparatus it embodying this invention, the closing of switch 218 for energizing solenoid 210, and thereby permitting rotation of the die wheel assembly, is controlled by the successive boxes or cartons conveyed past the marking apparatus so that the drive of the marking apparatus through the chain 84 need not be accurately synchronized with the advancement of the conveyed boxes or cartons.

As shown in FIG. 9, the switch 218 may be of the type commonly known as a microswitch having a rockable projecting actuating finger 228 which is shown in its switchopen position, and winch is adapted to close the contacts of switch 213 upon rocking of finger 220 from that position. An extension 222 is pivoted on finger 220, as at 224, and is rockable relative to the latter from the illustrated position only toward the right or in the counterclockwise direction about pivot 224. An actuating lever 226 is pivotally mounted intermediate its ends, as at 228, adjacent the path of travel of the conveyed boxes or cartons at a location following the die wheel assembly 24 considered in the direction of advancement of the conveyor indicated by the arrow 23d on FIG. 9. A spring .232 yieldably urges the actuating lever 226 to the position shown in full lines where the actuating lever engages a stop pin 234 and has one of its ends 226a projecting laterally into the path of travel of the conveyed boxes or cartons. Thus, when the front corner of a conveyed box or carton reaches the location of actuating lever 2-26, the end 22% of the lever is engaged by that corner and the lever is rocked to the position shown in broken lines at 226'. The switch 213 is mounted in relation to lever 22: so that, during rocking of the lever from the normal position shown in full lines to the rocked position shown in broken lines, the end 2261; of the lever acts against the extension 222 of the switch actuating finger 22%? to rock the latter and thereby cause momentary closing of the contacts of switch 213 and consequently momentary energization of solenoid Zlll so as to release latch 1% and permit rotation of the die wheel assembly 24.

When the trailing end of a marlied box or carton releases lever 226 so that the latter can be rocked back to its normal position by the spring 232, the engagement of the end 22% of the lever with the extension 222 dur ing such return rocking movement of the lever merely causes angular displacement or pivoting of extension 222 relative to actuating finger 2 =3 so that the latter remains stationary and closing of the switch contacts does not then occur.

From the above it will be apparent that solenoid 219 is momentarily energized to release latch 1% as the leading end of each conveyed box or carton reaches a predetermined position beyond die wheel assembly 2 as determined by the location of lever 22-5 along the path of the conveyed boxes or cartons. Upon release of the latch 196, the slippable clutch assembly 45', 56 and the bearer and clutch plate assembly 52 and the rotated sprocket 6d effect a single complete revolution of the die wheel core 26 and, sin e solenoid 21b is only momentarily energized, as indicated above, latch 1% has its nose 23 2 urged against the periphery of flange 38 to again engage the shoulder 1'92, and thereby prevent further rotation of die wheel core as at the completion of the single revolution.

As shown particularly in FlG. 7, the bearer and clutch plate assembly 62. includes a circular plate 236 mounted, at its center, for rotation on the bearing 5i; and having a bearer rim 238 of rubber or other resilient frictional material on its periphery for frictional engagement with the side surface of each conveyed box or carton as the latter passes the die wheel assembly. Further, clutch elements 24%) and 242, which may be in the form of disks of friction material, are cemented, or otherwise secured on the top and bottom surfaces, respectively, of circular plate 236 for frictional engagement with the bottom wall 23 of die wheel core 26 and with the rotatably driven sprocket 66. Thus, a slippable rotatable coupling is provided between the rotatably driven sprocket 6% and the plate 235 of bearer and clutch plate assembly 62, and between plate 236 and die wheel core 26. By reason of the above rotatable coupling, bearer and clutch plate assembly 62 tends to rotate die wheel core 26 either in response to frictional engagement of the bearer rim 238 with a conveyed box or carton or by transmission of rotation from rotated sprocket as, but rotation of the die Wheel core 26 can occur only upon release of latch 3%, as previously described in detail. When rotation of die wheel core as is arrested by engagement of latch 1% with the shoulder 192 on the die Whfifi'l core, slippage occurs between the bottom wall of the die wheel core and the frictional clutch elements 2-46 and between the frictional clutch elements 242 and sprocket of as well as between the slippable clutch assembly 4-5, 4-6.

In the marking apparatus lit), the marking means 553 are circumferentially arranged on the periphery of die wheel core 2;, in relation to the position of shoulder 1H. so that, when shoulder 1% is engaged by latch r96, marli- 5% ing means 5% faces away from both the path of the conveyed boxes or cartons and the ink transferring or metering roller 13?, of inking unit 114. Thus, die wheel core can be held against rotation by engagement of latch 1% with shoulder while a box or carton passing the die w eel assembly 2 4 engages bearer rims and 233 without causing blurring or smearing of ink from the marking means onto the conveyed box or carton, and the inking unit 114 can be continuously operated to permit the use of quick dryin inks Without causing excessive build-up of inlt on the marking means 59 during such period when die wheel core as is held against rotation.

The apparatus 1%; may further be provided with a removable cover 244- mounted on base 12 to extend over inking unit and the components of the drive on the bas Although the operation of each of the component parts of marking apparatus it) has been described in detailrhereinabove, the overall operation of the apparatus is summarized, as follows:

With the chain 84, and hence the chain as, being continuously driven, the inking unit mounted on base 12 is continuously operated and the sprocket 61} is continuously rotated. However, the normal engagement of the latch with shoulder 192 of die wheel core 25 holds the latter against rotation even during the movement of the forward portion of a conveyed box or carton past the die wheel assembly 2-4 to frictionally effect rotation of the bearer rims 46 and 23%. When the forward end of the conveyed box or carton engages the actuating lever 22%, and thereby eifects momentary closing of switch 213 and energization of solenoid 219, latch 1% is released to permit rotation of die wheel core 26 through the positive drive by rotated sprocket 6% and the frictional drive of bearer rim 238 of assembly 52 and bearer rim of the slippable clutch assembly 45, as upon engagement with the conveyed box or carton. Thus, die

Wheel core 25 is turned through a single complete revolu tion to cause marking means 5b" to pass the ink transferring or metering roller 13-2 of inking unit 134, and thereby receive ink from the latter, and then to move into rolling and marking contact with the adjacent side surface of the conveyed box or carton. Since the die wheel core 26 is driven from bearer and clutch plate assembly s2 and the slippable clutch assembly 55, as in frictional engagement with the conveyed box or carton during marking of the latter, the peripheral speed of movement of the marking means 59 is exactly equivalent to the linear speed of the conveyed box or carton, thereby to avoid blurring of the inked impression applied to the box or carton.

Since the release of the latch tee is controlled by the position of each conveyed box or carton to be marked in relation to the location of the die Wheel assembly 24-, it will be apparent that the location of the inked impression applied to each of the conveyed boxes or cartons will be uniform, wi hout regard to the speed of advancement of the conveyed boxes or cartons or the spacing therebetween on the conveyor.

If the length of the conveyed box or carton in the direction of the moverent thereof exceeds the circumference of die wheel assembly 24-, so that die wheel core is returned to its initial position where latch 1% again engages shoulder 192 at a time when bearer rims 46 and 238 are still fnictionally engaged by the conveyed box or carton, then latch 1% arrests rotation of die wheel core 26 and the bearer rims can continue to rotate with respect thereto by reason of the slippable mounting of rim :6 and the slippable coupling between assembly 6-2. and core 26. On the other hand, if the circumference of the die wheel assembly 24 exceeds the length of the conveyed box or carton in the direction of movement of the latter, so that the conveyed box or carton moves out of engagement with bearer rim 238 prior to the return of die wheel core 26 to its original position where V latch 1% again engages shoulder 192, then the rotated sprocket so is efiective, through the slippable rotational coupling formed by the assembly 52 to cause the further rotational movement of die wheel core 26 necessary to return the latter to the original position.

From the above it is apparent that, in the marking apparatus 1% embodying this invention, the diameter of die wheel core 25 need not be related to the dimensions of the successive conveyed boxes or cartons or the spacing therebetween on the conveyor, and further that the drive of the marking apparatus need not be correlated to the advancement of the conveyed boxes or cartons in order to ensure the uniform application of inked impressions to the latter.

It will also be apparent that the described drive of the die wheel assembly 24 is achieved with a structure that readily permits the upward removal of the die wheel core 25 from its support ng aide 22, and thereby facilitates either changing of the marking means on the die wheel assembly or interchange of the latter v th a similar die wheel assembly intended for use with ink of a dilferent color.

Although an illustrative embodiment of the invention has been described in detail herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be noted that the nvention is not limited to that precise embodiment, and that various changes and modifications may be effected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention, except as defined in the appended claims What is claimed is:

1. An apparatus for marking vertical surfaces of articles, such as boxes or cartons, conveyed horizontally past the apparatus, comprising:

(a) Supporting means adapted to be disposed dongside the path of travel of the conveyed articles;

(b) A die wheel assembly mounted on said supporting means for rotation about a vertical axis and including (1) a die Wheel core adapted to carry means on the periphery the eof,

(2) bearer means turnable by frictional engagement with a conveyed article passing said die wheel assembly, and

(3) slippable coupling means urging said die wheel core to rotate with said bearer mews;

(c) Drive means including a rotated drive member caxial with said die wheel assembly and slipPable coupling means urging said die wheel core to rotate with said rotated drive member;

(d) Latch means normally holding said die wheel core against rotation at an original position where the marking means thereon races away from the path of the conveyed articles and being releasable to permit rotation of said die wheel core through said bearer means and said rotated drive member; m

(e) Means operative to release said latch means and thereby permit rotation of said die wheel core through a single complete revolution from said original position when a conveyed article moves to a predetermined location with respect to said die wheel assembly; and

(f) An inking unit removably mounted on said supporting means and operated continuously from said drive means to apply ink to the marl i-ng means on said core only upon rotation of the latter.

2. An apparatus for marking vertical surfaces of articles, such as boxes or cartons, conveyed horizontally past the apparatus, comprising:

(a) Supporting means adapted to be disposed alongside the path of travel of the conveyed artic es;

([2) A die wheel assembly mounted on said supporting means for rotation about a vertical axis and including (1) a die wheel core adapted to carry marking means on the periphery thereof,

(2) bearer means turnable by frictional engageill ment with a conveyed article passing said die wheel assembly, and

(3) slippable coupling means urging said die wheel core to rotate with said bearer means;

(0) Drive means including a rotated drive member coaxial with said die wheel assembly and slippable coupling means urging said die wheel core to rotate with said rotated drive member;

(d) Latch means normally holding said die wheel core against rotation at an original position where the marking means thereon faces away from the path of the conveyed articles and being releasable to permit rotation of said die Wheel core through said bearer means and said rotated drive member;

(e) Means operative to release said latch means and thereby permit rotation of said die wheel core through a single complete revolution from said original position when a conveyed article moves to a predetermined location with respect to said die wheel assembly; md

(1) An inking unit removably mounted on said supporting means and including (1) at least one roller rotatable about a vertical axis and positioned for rolling contact with marking means on said die wheel core upon rotation of the latter from said original position,

(2) a source of ink,

(3) means operative to apply ink from said source to the surface of said roller for transfer from the latter to the marking means, and

(4) means engageable with said drive means when the inking unit is mounted on said supporting means to continuously operate said ink applying means and rotate said roller so that quickdrying inks can be employed in the inking unit.

3. An apparatus for marking vertical surfaces of articles, such as boxes or cartons, conveyed horizontally past the apparatus, comprising:

(a). Supporting means adapted to be disposed alongside the path of travel of the conveyed articles;

(12) A die wheel assembly mounted on said supporting means for rotation about a vertical axis and including (1) a die wheel core adapted to carry marking means on the periphery thereof,

(2) bearer means turnable by frictional engagement with a conveyed article passing said die wheel assembly, and

(3) slippable coupling means urging said die wheel core to rotate with said bearer means;

(0) Drive means including a rotated drive member coaxial with said die wheel assembly and slippable coupling means urging said die wheel core to rotate with said rotated drive member;

(d) Latch means normally holding said die wheel core against rotation at an original position where the marking means thereon faces away from the path of the conveyed articles and being releasable to permit rotation of said die wheel core through said bearer means and said rotated drive member;

"(e) Means operative to release said latch means and thereby permit rotation of said die wheel core through a single complete revolution from said original position when a conveyed article moves to a predetermined location with respect to said die Wheel assembly; and

(f) An inking unit removably mounted on said supporting means and including (1) an ink transferring roller rotatable about a vertical axis and positioned for rolling contact with marking means on said die wheel core upon rotation of the latter from said original position,

(2) an inking roller in rolling contact with said ink transferring roller,

(3) a source of ink,

(4) pump means operative to apply ink from said source to the surface of said inking roller for transfer from the latter by said ink transferring roller to the marking means, and

(5) means engageable with said drive means when the inking unit is mounted on said supporting means to continuously operate said pump means and rotate said inking and transferring rollers so that quick-drying inks can be employed in the inking unit.

4. An apparatus for marking vertical surfaces of articles, such as boxes or cartons, conveyed horizontally past the apparatus, comprising:

(a) Supporting means adapted to be disposed alongside the path of travel of the conveyed articles;

(b) A die wheel assembly mounted on said supporting means for rotation about a vertical axis and including (1) a die wheel core adapted to carry marking means on the periphery thereof,

(2) bearer means turnable by frictional engagement with a conveyed article passing said die wheel assembly, and

(3) slippable coupling means urging said die Wheel core to rotate with said bearer means;

() Drive means including a rotated drive member coaxial with said die wheel assembly and slippable coupling means urging said die wheel core to rotate with said rotated drive member;

(d) Latch means normally holding said die wheel core against rotation at an original position where the marking means thereon faces away from the path of the conveyed articles and being releasable to permit rotation of said die wheel core through said bearer means and said rotated drive member;

(:2) Means operative to release said latch means and thereby permit rotation of said die Wheel core through a single complete revolution from said original position when a conveyed article moves to a predetermined location with respect to said die wheel assembly; and

(1) An inking unit including (i) a hollow base reniovably mounted on said supporting means and constituting an ink reservoir,

(2) first and second vertical rollers rotatably mounted on said base in rolling contact with each other and with said first roller disposed for rolling contact with marking means on said die wheel core upon rotation of the latter from said original position,

( 3) pump means mounted on said base and operative to draw ink from said reservoir and discharge the ink against said second roller for transfer by said first roller tfrom said second roller to the marking means, and

(4) means releasably engageable with said drive means when said base is mounted on said supporting means to continuously operate said pump means and rotate said rollers so that quick-drying inks can be employed in the inking unit.

5. An apparatus as in claim 4; wherein said pump means includes a housing having a bore with a valved inlet opening from said reservoir and a valved outlet opening from said bore, a conduit extending from said outlet and opening adjacent the upper portion of the surface of said second roller, and a plunger reciprocable in said bore to pump ink 'nto the bore from said inlet and out of the bore through said outlet.

6. An apparatus as in claim 5; wherein said means releasably engageable with the drive means to operate the pump means and rotate the rollers includes a drive shaft rotated by drive means, a cam on said drive shaft engaged by said plunger to reciprocate the lat er, a sprocket and chain drive between said drive shaft and one of said rollers, and gear means rotatably connecting i2 said rollers for counter rotation with respect to each other.

7. apparatus as in claim 6; wherein said rotated e meniber of the drive means is in the form of a procket, and said drive means further includes a driven chain running around said sprocket, an additional sprocket rotatably mounted on said supporting means and enga ed by said driven chain, releasable coupling means for connecting said additional sprocket with said drive shaft of the inking unit.

Ari apparatus for marking vertical surfaces of arti cles, such as boxes or cartons, conveyed horizontally past the apparatus, comprising:

(a) Supporting means adapted to be disposed alongside the path of travel of the conveyed articles;

(b) A die wheel assembly mounted on said supporting means for rotation about a vertical axis and carrying mar g means at its periphery for rolling and marking contact with the successive conveyed articles;

(c) Drive means urging said die wheel assembly to rotate and including a continuously driven chain mounted on said suppcrtiin means;

complete revolution in response to the movement of a conveyd article past said die wheel assembly;

(e) An inking unit including (1) a hollow base r'ernovably mounted on said supporting means and constituting an ink reservoir,

(2) first and second vertical rollers rotatably mounted on said base in rolling contact with each other, with said first roller disposed for rolling contact with said marking means on the die wheel assembly upon rotation of the latter,

{3) purn means mounted on said base and operative to draw ink from said reservoir and discharge the ink against said second roller for ransfer by said first roller from said second roller to the marking means,

(4) a vertical drive shaft rotatably supported by said base, and

(5) means operating said pump means and rotating said rollers in response to rotation of said drive shaft;

(7) A sprocket mounted on said supporting means and being rotatably driven by said chain; and

g) Axially releasable coupling means on said drive shaft and sprocket, respectively, engageable upon mounting of said inking unit on said supporting means.

9. An apparatus as in claim 8; further comprising means for securing said base on said supporting means including a lug extending from said base and having an arcuate slot concentric with the axis of said drive shaft, and a locking screw receivable in said slot and threaded into said supporting means so that loosening of said screw permits angular adjustment of said base about said axis of the drive shaft for vary'mg the pressure of contact of said first roller with marking means.

16. An apparatus for marking vertical surfaces of articles, such as boxes or cartons, conveyed horizontally past the apparatus, comprising:

(a) Supporting means adapted to be disposed alongside the path of travel of the conveyed articles and carryan upstanding vertical axle;

(b) A die wheel assembly including (i) a cylindrical die wheel core slidable downwardly on said axle and adapted to carry marking means on the periphery thereof,

(2) bearer means on said axle below said core and being turnable by frictional engagement with a conveyed article passing said die wheel assembly, and

s,112,es1

l3 (3) frictional clutch elements on the top of said bearer means urging said die Wheel core to rotate with said bearer means;

(0) Drive means including a rotated sprocket on said axle below said bearer means and frictional clutcl elements on the bottom of the latter for said bearer means said die wheel core to rotate with said rotated sprocket;

(c5) Latch rneans normally holding said die wheel core rotation at an original posi on Where is marking means thereon feces away from the path of the conveyed articles and sing releasable to per mit rotation of said die Wheel core through said beer-er means and said rotated sprocket;

(e) Means operative to release said latch means and thereby permit rotation of said die wheel core through a single complete revolution from said original position when a conveyed article moves to a predetermined location with respect to said die Wheel assemby; and

said core only upon rotation of the latter. ll. An apparatus as in claim 1-3; wherein said die Wheel assembly is removably mounted on said axle to permit removal thereof as a unit.

12. An apparatus as in claim 10; wherein said marking eons is reinovebly mounted on said die Wheel core, and l a removable die Wheel cover to permit the resaid marking means from said core.

Reierenees Cited in the file of this patent UNiTED STATES PATENTS ,425,2-.9 Lacy-Hulbert Aug. 5, 1947 ,SlSJJl Alessi et a1. Dec. 31, 1957 73,762 Van Buskirl; Jan. 27, 1959 ,88,767 Hi scliey et al June 9, 1959 

1. AN APPARATUS FOR MARKING VERTICAL SURFACES OF ARTICLES, SUCH AS BOXES OR CARTONS, CONVEYED HORIZONTALLY PAST THE APPARATUS, COMPRISING: (A) SUPPORTING MEANS ADAPTED TO BE DISPOSED ALONGSIDE THE PATH OF TRAVEL OF THE CONVEYED ARTICLES; (B) A DIE WHEEL ASSEMBLY MOUNTED ON SAID SUPPORTING MEANS FOR ROTATION ABOUT A VERTICAL AXIS AND INCLUDING (1) A DIE WHEEL CORE ADAPTED TO CARRY MARKING MEANS ON THE PERIPHERY THEREOF, (2) BEARER MEANS TURNABLE BY FRICTIONAL ENGAGEMENT WITH A CONVEYED ARTICLE PASSING SAID DIE WHEEL ASSEMBLY, AND (3) SLIPPABLE COUPLING MEANS URGING SAID DIE WHEEL CORE TO ROTATE WITH SAID BEARER MEANS; (C) DRIVE MEANS INCLUDING A ROTATED DRIVE MEMBER COAXIAL WITH SAID DIE WHEEL ASSEMBLY AND SLIPPABLE COUPLING MEANS URGING SAID DIE WHEEL CORE TO ROTATE WITH SAID ROTATED DRIVE MEMBER; (D) LATCH MEANS NORMALLY HOLDING SAID DIE WHEEL CORE AGAINST ROTATION AT AN ORIGINAL POSITION WHERE THE MARKING MEANS THEREON FACES AWAY FROM THE PATH OF THE CONVEYED ARTICLES AND BEING RELEASABLE TO PERMIT ROTATION OF SAID DIE WHEEL CORE THROUGH SAID BEARER MEANS AND SAID ROTATED DRIVE MEMBER; (E) MEANS OPERATIVE TO RELEASE SAID LATCH MEANS AND THEREBY PERMIT ROTATION OF SAID DIE WHEEL CORE THROUGH A SINGLE COMPLETE REVOLUTION FROM SAID ORIGINAL POSITION WHEN A CONVEYED ARTICLE MOVES TO A PREDETERMINED LOCATION WITH RESPECT TO SAID DIE WHEEL ASSEMBLY; AND (F) AN INKING UNIT REMOVABLY MOUNTED ON SAID SUPPORTING MEANS AND OPERATED CONTINUOUSLY FROM SAID DRIVE MEANS TO APPLY INK TO THE MARKING MEANS ON SAID CORE ONLY UPON ROTATION OF THE LATTER. 